Path integration mediated systematic search: A Bayesian model

JOURNAL OF THEORETICAL BIOLOGY

卷:307

Article

Vickerstaff, Robert J.¹  Merkle, Tobias² 

[1] AgResearch Ltd, Lincoln Res Ctr, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand

[2] Australian Natl Univ, Ctr Visual Sci, Res Sch Biol, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia

关键词: Cataglyphis fortis;    Navigation;    Search theory;    Bayesian search;    Directed walk;   

DOI  :  10.1016/j.jtbi.2012.04.034

来源: Elsevier

【 摘 要 】

The systematic search behaviour is a backup system that increases the chances of desert ants finding their nest entrance after foraging when the path integrator has failed to guide them home accurately enough. Here we present a mathematical model of the systematic search that is based on extensive behavioural studies in North African desert ants Cataglyphis fords. First, a simple search heuristic utilising Bayesian inference and a probability density function is developed. This model, which optimises the short-term nest detection probability, is then compared to three simpler search heuristics and to recorded search patterns of Cataglyphis ants. To compare the different searches a method to quantify search efficiency is established as well as an estimate of the error rate in the ants' path integrator. We demonstrate that the Bayesian search heuristic is able to automatically adapt to increasing levels of positional uncertainty to produce broader search patterns, just as desert ants do, and that it outperforms the three other search heuristics tested. The searches produced by it are also arguably the most similar in appearance to the ant's searches. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

【 授权许可】

Free